In this particular instance it sounds to me that the whole UK vs US cost analysis is irrelevant. It sounds to me that VFR Transit has already set his heart on doing hour building in the US - correct me if I'm wrong. If that is the case then he only needs to compare prices in the US (obviously). As for OBA, like some of the other posters, PM me if you want up to date photos of the last few weeks or so, including shots of the new Cadets. If it's of any help, I shared a room at OBA with an hour builder on the PA28 and he was battering in around 30 hours a week easily. He had the aircraft for the entire day in some cases but for the most part, an entire half day. It's really up to you how committed you are. Turn up on time, make good use of the aircraft and you'll be fine. The guys that came a cropper where the ones who had the aircraft for the entire day and used it for an hour.